Smart pens have been around for a long time and I have written about them on this blog. Finding one that works seamlessly is not so easy but with inq pen this does work well. The pen needs a special book with all the electronic microdots on it to locate and make sense of information. It’s Bluetooth and so you can connect instantly to the book and also, through AI, directly links to the cloud making it a tool for handwriting recognition. It also links to your mobile phone and provides audio linkage to the information as well making it an all-round tool for the classroom.
My good friends at Aventido and AT Superstore are putting on an event on Thursday 26th February at Bailbrook Hotel , Everleigj, Bath. Cost £137 per delegate and includes lunch the focus is Dyslexia and Literacy and is a SEND Conference .
“With a focus on dyslexia and literacy the day promises to empower and inspire educators to better understand dyslexia and literacy from a dyslexic perspective and provide you with armfuls of strategies and ideas to take back into your school and classrooms.”
Jo is a mum of 3 dyslexic children and qualified dyslexic assessor and social influencer .
Using voice command commands in Reminders app can be actually quite difficult to be accurate so would always advise checking particularly dates and times to ensure that it doesn’t just pick up from the last day that you put the reminder in.
Also if you’re using shopping app then please note that market complete is the way to actually take out any objects that you don’t want in your shopping list 
At the time of writing there is excitement in this area for the blind and partially sighted.Words such as “ life-changing” “ game changer” are being used. The meta ray bann wayfarer gene 2 is causing this excitement as AI is linked to it and through ear speakers in the arm and two cameras on the frame means that the world can be interpretation for the user to understand and have more independence. The other impressive thing is the price. Most VI products are four figures in price but just like the IPad made assistive technology cool the Ray Bann WayFayer could make smart glasses cool and aaffordable. In terms of classroom use it would enable blind and pariially sighted to have access to the class board as well as research tools. The danger of course is plagiarism and personal data security as images of other children and people has to be considered as it’s looking all the time in front of the glasses. How that data can be controlled and how pupil’s personal data can be protected.
We shall definitely see more about this technology in the future.
People with disabilities are a large, skilled, and motivated part of today’s workforce, yet finding a job can still feel harder than it should. Barriers like inaccessible hiring processes, employer misconceptions, or unclear accommodations can slow things down—but they don’t define your potential. This article is for people with disabilities who want realistic, empowering strategies to find work, build a career, and advocate for themselves along the way.
A quick orientation before we dive in
Finding a job with a disability isn’t about “overcoming” who you are. It’s about matching your strengths to the right environment, knowing your rights, and using tools that reduce friction. With the right approach, many people find roles that are flexible, fulfilling, and sustainable long-term.
Jobs That Often Work Well
There’s no universal “best job” for people with disabilities. That said, certain roles tend to offer flexibility, autonomy, or remote options that many job seekers appreciate:
Customer support (remote or hybrid)
Writing, editing, or content management
Software development, QA, or IT support
Data entry, analysis, or research assistance
Accounting, bookkeeping, or administrative roles
Design, marketing, or social media management
These roles often allow for flexible schedules, assistive technology, or work-from-home setups—but success depends more on the employer than the job title itself.
How to Start the Job Search (Without Burning Out)
Job searching can be exhausting, especially when you’re managing health, mobility, or energy limitations. A more structured approach helps.
A simple, repeatable process:
Identify your non-negotiables (schedule, location, accommodations).
Search job boards that highlight inclusive employers.
You are not required to disclose a disability unless you want to or need an accommodation for the interview itself. If you do disclose, keep it job-focused:
Explain what helps you work effectively
Tie accommodations to performance, not limitation
A Practical Accommodation Planning Checklist
Before accepting a role, it helps to think through what you may need to succeed.
Planning ahead makes accommodation requests clearer and more confident.
Learning and Credentials as Career Leverage
Sometimes, the fastest way to open new doors is by building skills that align with flexible or higher-demand roles. Earning an online degree can strengthen your resume, increase earning potential, and help you pivot into fields that offer more control over how and where you work. A business bachelor degree can be especially useful if you want to develop skills in accounting, business, communications, or management that apply across industries. Many online degree programs are designed to fit around full-time work, making it easier to balance employment, health needs, and education at the same time. You can learn more about one such option here.
Organizations That Actively Support Job Seekers With Disabilities
Some employers and nonprofits intentionally design inclusive hiring pipelines. One widely trusted resource is the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), which provides guidance on inclusive hiring, accommodations, and employment rights.
This is a good starting point for both job seekers and employers committed to accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tell an employer about my disability? No. Disclosure is a personal choice unless you’re requesting accommodations.
Can an employer legally refuse accommodations? They can only refuse if the accommodation causes “undue hardship,” which is a high legal bar.
Are remote jobs easier to get accommodations for? Often, yes—but accommodations can apply to any work environment.
Should I work with a job counselor? Many people find disability-focused career counselors helpful, especially during transitions.
Know Your Rights (This Matters More Than You Think)
In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals from discrimination and gives you the right to reasonable accommodations. Knowing this framework doesn’t make you “difficult”—it makes you informed.
A final word
Finding a job with a disability is not about fitting into a broken system; it’s about finding or shaping a workplace where you can do your best work. With the right preparation, support, and self-advocacy, meaningful employment is not just possible—it’s achievable. Take it one step at a time, and don’t underestimate the value you bring.
One of my colleagues said when I told him I was retiring he said ” no you won’t!” meaning I would have trouble hanging up my boots. But the reality is I do different things now. This happened when I left my local authority I just morphed into doing something else. Now, the same applies here.
Do I miss the business? Yes, of course, but when you get to a certain time in your life and your body is letting you know it won’t be working in the way it used to. It is time to think differently – and do things differently. I have still got my mental faculties but it’s not able to sustain concentration like it used to.
I continue helping in Assistive Technology but as a volunteer co-ordinator for AbilityNet. For instance this afternoon I am at a one-to-one event session with three of my fellow volunteers helping seniors access their NHS apps and other medical services. It’s rewarding work and a continuation of what I have already did but with a more appropriate age group!
Opportunities to serve abound and so I introduced today a new section under resources called ” Life Changes.” We all experience such changes in our lives and it’s useful to draw in other people’s experiences and strategies to help with what life gives to them.
Lastly, I am not working , sure. But I continue to be useful in a voluntary capacity. So if you as an individual or organisation wish to have advice or support do reach out as I am listening. As someone who has worked in the assistive technology industry for a significant amount of time I may have something to offer you.
I love to speak publicly . So if you wish to have a custom talk for your group or organisation just reach out. This can be done remotely or in person. I still have something to offer and the capability to deliver it.
Rediscovering Purpose: How New Empty Nesters Can Find Fulfillment and Balance in a Fresh Life Chapter
When the last child leaves home, life can suddenly feel quieter — sometimes liberating, sometimes disorienting. The empty nest phase marks a pivotal life transition: one where parents evolve from constant caregivers to rediscovered individuals. This new season offers space to redefine purpose, nurture long-neglected interests, and find joy in the balance between activity and rest.
Summary
Empty nesters can thrive by reconnecting with themselves, fostering community, exploring education or travel, and rebalancing between purpose-driven pursuits and restorative downtime.
Cultivate structure through curiosity, not obligation — and your next chapter will feel expansive, not empty.
Section 1: Building a New Sense of Fulfillment
Fulfillment for new empty nesters often comes from intention over impulse. This phase isn’t about replacing your kids’ schedules — it’s about rediscovering your own. Start by setting small goals that honor long-forgotten interests: painting, hiking, language learning, or volunteering.
Reignite Curiosity: Pick up a hobby or project that excites you intellectually.
Redefine Routine: Rebuild daily rituals around wellness, connection, and self-growth.
Reconnect Socially: Join community groups, travel clubs, or book circles — these foster belonging.
Section 2: A Smart Step Toward Growth and Financial Freedom
For many, this chapter opens the door to career reinvention. Returning to school online is now more accessible and career-enhancing than ever. Online programs can help you strengthen your financial independence while enriching your sense of purpose.
Earning amaster’s in data analytics can expand your career options while letting you balance work responsibilities with flexible learning. You can also explore adjacent paths such as project management, healthcare administration, or sustainability studies. Each invites structured growth without sacrificing life balance.
Section 3: How to Reframe Your Identity Post-Parenting
When roles shift, identity often wobbles. But this phase isn’t about loss — it’s about reinvention.
Checklist for Personal Reframing:
Write a short “life mission statement” that reflects you now, not just who you were.
Schedule regular “curiosity time” each week — read, explore, or learn something new.
Reconnect with old friends or professional networks.
Reassess your wellness — physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Anchor Days: Assign certain days to specific modes (e.g., “Wellness Wednesdays,” “Freedom Fridays”).
Guard Space for Stillness: Make rest a non-negotiable part of your plan.
Check in Monthly: Adjust your schedule to match your evolving goals.
Section 6: Expanding Horizons and Connection
Travel, volunteering abroad, or even starting a small business can create new networks and confidence.
You might explore virtual volunteering viaVolunteerMatch, join creative workshops throughSkillshare, or deepen financial resilience using tips fromNerdWallet.
Each small expansion reconnects you to purpose — outward and inward.
Section 7: Featured Resource — Everyday Wellness Journal
One powerful companion for this phase is a daily reflection and mindfulness journal. It helps track energy, gratitude, and intentions without pressure.
For those seeking structure, the Everyday Wellness Journal encourages short daily check-ins that strengthen mental and emotional well-being. Find it atPapier or any similar mindfulness stationery store.
Glossary
Empty Nester: A parent whose children have moved out of the home.
Life Reframing: The process of redefining personal identity after major transitions.
Cognitive Renewal: Mental revitalization through learning, creativity, and exploration.
Mindful Transition: A balanced, conscious adaptation to life changes.
Adaptive Purpose: Redefining fulfillment in alignment with evolving circumstances.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to adjust emotionally? A: Most people find balance within six to twelve months, though the timeline varies.
Q: Is it normal to feel both relief and sadness? A: Absolutely. Mixed emotions signal healthy adaptation to change.
Q: What’s a good first step if I feel aimless? A: Begin with small goals — try a class, schedule social time, or simply journal for reflection.
Q: Should I consider downsizing? A: Many do, but it’s best to decide after adjusting emotionally; don’t rush major lifestyle shifts.
Becoming an empty nester isn’t an ending — it’s an opening. With structure, curiosity, and intention, this phase can become your most rewarding yet. You’ve guided others toward growth — now, it’s your turn to rediscover your own.
Explore the latest in assistive technology and enhance your understanding of accessibility with AccessAbility Solutions, where innovation meets inclusivity for individuals with unique needs.
AccessAbility Solutions 